Project by Sarah Donawerth. For everyone who crafts, we all know the dilemma of the craft stash. Some things are in the craft stash because they are the odds and ends that are unusable for one reason or another. However, there are other items in the craft stash that are there because they are so […]

For everyone who crafts, we all know the dilemma of the craft stash. Some things are in the craft stash because they are the odds and ends that are unusable for one reason or another. However, there are other items in the craft stash that are there because they are so beloved, that the pressure to craft something perfect keeps you from starting. In my stash, I have these in a separate box. They are the pieces that have sentimental value, that were higher priced, or are the last remaining pieces of my favorite kits. When I stare into that box, I see my favorite things — lace, book text, pink and rosy hues, and vintage details.

The goal for this collaged piece was to incorporate all my favorite things. I wouldn’t call myself shabby chic, but I love all things lacy, vintage, and blush-colored. There is just something about that palette of textures and colors that immediately fills me with joy. When I discovered these vintage postcards in the archives of our offices, I couldn’t wait to use them in a mixed-media piece. And better yet, we’re offering these pieces of ephemera as a free download at the end of this post!

Directions:

Collage script page from Stationer’s Desk paper pad and book text onto your background and adhere with gel medium, then cover with a thin layer of gel medium over the top.

Mix pink and white Dina Wakley Acrylic Paint until you have a blush color, add some gel medium if needed, and paint over your collaged background so that you can still see the first layer underneath. Let dry.

Arrange Library of Congress cards, Tim Holtz ephemera, and free ephemera onto board. If the ephemera blends into the background too much, you can back it with a journaling card. Fill in gaps with washi tape and lace trimmings.

Tip: Once you are happy with the arrangement, take a picture with your phone or camera so you’ll know where something was supposed to go in case anything moves.

Glue down pieces one at a time, overlapping the different layers of your collage.

To seal the piece, melt beeswax in an empty soup can on the stove, paint over the surface, and use a heat tool to smooth out the wax.

Add mica flakes to a few places on the canvas. Use the heat tool to melt the wax and adhere the mica flakes. Blend iced rosé gelatos into the edges of the canvas.

Glue down doll house picture frames with strong adhesive. Rub with iced rosé gelatos and brush with water to tint the frames.